Common Conditions

What is the Curve? The Emotional Impact of Peyronie’s Disease

Over half of men with Peyronie’s disease experience pain, either from inflammation in the plaque area or from the loss of flexibility, especially when the penis becomes erect. Erectile dysfunction – the inability to maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse – is also common among men with Peyronie’s disease.

Usually, Peyronie’s disease happens in two stages. In the first stage (the acute phase), which may last 18 months, the plaques start to form and the penis starts to curve. A man in this stage may have pain whether or not his penis is erect. In the second stage (the chronic phase), the plaques and curvature start to stabilize, but the penis usually doesn’t straighten. Pain may start to subside, but erectile dysfunction may begin or get worse. Another injury can start the acute phase all over again.